Description of Services for Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology service provides advanced specialty eye care. The ophthalmologist provides medical and surgical treatment for diseases and conditions of the eye. Specific areas of treatment include glaucoma, cornea, retina, cataract extraction, diabetic retinopathy and general ophthalmology.

Exams are usually one hour long. Most exams will include pupil dilation. Dilation will cause blurry near vision and light sensitivity for the rest of the day.

Patients must have a referral from a primary care provider to make an appointment with ophthalmology.

Description of Services for Optometry

The Optometry Service provides comprehensive vision examinations for patients aged 5 years and older with priority given to Active Duty service members. The optometrists prescribe glasses and conduct eye health evaluations. The Optometry Service will order glasses and required optical devices for all active duty service members.

Contact lens services are not provided because it is not a Tricare covered benefit.

Eye exams usually take about an hour and a patient’s eyes will usually be dilated to provide a thorough eye health examination. This will result in blurred near vision and light sensitivity for the remainder of the day.

Patients may make an appointment for a routine vision examination without a referral. Same day service is offered for urgent patients based on a referral from a primary care provider or by appropriate triage by an eye health technician in our clinic. The eye portion of all military physicals is performed on a walk-in basis Mon - Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Active Duty patients and Retired Military with a current glasses prescription (less than one year old) may walk-in to order glasses from our dispensary Mon - Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Retirees may receive one pair of glasses per year.

Access to Care

Active duty only.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment, please login to TRICARE Online or call the Hampton Roads Appointment Center (HRAC) at 1-866-645-4584.

Cancelling Appointments

Don't be a no-show!

McDonald Army Health Center wants your help in reducing the number of "No Shows". Patients who miss appointments or arrive late by 10 minutes or more to their scheduled appointments are considered "No Shows". "No Shows" limit the number of available appointments. The Health Center request beneficiaries cancel at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.